What are 'Hoot Owl' fishing restrictions and why they matter for Montana rivers By: Andrew Curtis and last updated 2021-07-23 20:44:01-04 One of the most cherished resources our state has to offer is a healthy fish population. At this time of the year with rising temperatures, the best way to keep that population is to change when we go fishing. âWe're not saying you canât fish, weâre just asking that you fish in the morning up until about 2:00 in the afternoon,â Helena area Fisheries Biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Adam Strainer told MTN. And itâs officially put in place for a number of summertime reasons. Like a maximum daily water temp of at least 73-degrees for three consecutive days.